Devolution – getting a great deal for nature and people.

What is Devolution and why does it matter? 

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are part of the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme, which will consider proposals to establish a new Mayoral Combined Authority for ‘Hampshire and the Solent’ and could see election of a new Mayor for the region in May 2026. You can find out more about the plans here. 

See our response to the Government-led public consultation on Hampshire & Solent Devolution, here. 

In a parallel process, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Councils are developing plans for restructuring of local government that would see the creation of new unitary authorities in place of the existing arrangement of county, city, borough and district councils.  

The creation of this new Mayoral Combined Authority will see the passing of powers and funds from central government to our local region, including in areas such as transport, adult skills, housing, economic growth, environment and climate change.  This creates a significant opportunity to make sure we get a great deal for people and for nature.   

Our Research

A new report by ARUP, in collaboration with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, explores nature’s essential value for economic sectors in the Solent region. This contributes to understanding that the protection and enhancement of the natural environment should not be considered as an economic cost, but as the foundation of a strong, stable economy and resilient society. 

The report finds a broad consensus among local stakeholders, with 94% of respondents agreeing that nature is important for the region’s long-term success. With a new mayoral strategic authority on the horizon, a powerful nature-positive vision for the region is urgently needed, to seize the joint opportunities regional prosperity and nature restoration. 

Key findings: 

• Nature provides vital support for the local economy of Hampshire, Isle of Wight and the Solent
• Nature and the economy are closely intertwined. A loss of nature threatens to undermine wider ambitions for economic growth. Conversely, enhancing nature can offer a plethora of opportunities to support economic growth.
• Existing barriers to enhancing nature and supporting the economy include regulatory uncertainty and funding access. Devolution presents a unique opportunity to address these barriers through good regional governance and planning frameworks.
• Stakeholders surveyed were strongly supportive of a nature-positive strategy for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Solent. 

Read the Full Report: ‘The Case for a nature-positive economy for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and the Solent’

What are we calling for?

Nature isn't a ‘nice to have’.  It is essential for our health and our prosperity and that of future generations.  Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Solent are home to some of the UK’s most treasured natural landscapes — including chalk streams, seagrass meadows, forests and heathlands — along with the remarkable wildlife that depends on them. These vital ecosystems allow us to breathe, drink, produce food. They protect us from floods and droughts, support our health, and underpin the entire economy. Restoring and investing in this natural capital also creates opportunities for new skills and jobs, while making our communities better places to live and work.

Now is the time to make sure we are investing in this critical infrastructure, so that wildlife and communities can really thrive.   

Devolution must lock in a nature-positive approach. This means that the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill should: 

• Set out powers and ring-fenced funding to deliver Local Nature Recovery Strategies; and
• Include a duty for Mayoral and unitary authorities to publish local targets and plans to contribute towards government’s national commitments to halt species decline, protect 30% of our land and sea by 2030 and restore our rivers to good ecological health.    

Locally, we want those driving this devolution deal to recognise the unique opportunity we have here to create a strong, nature-powered economy that we can all benefit from.  

Whilst the Government consultation has now closed, there is plenty of time to take part in conversations about the future of our area.  Mayoral elections will take part in 2026 and the new Mayor will play a key role in shaping priorities.